Freedom of Information Act

About FOIA

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides the public with the right to make a request for federal agency records.

The federal FOIA does not provide access to records held by state or local government agencies, or by private businesses or individuals. Most states, and some local jurisdictions, have their own laws about access to state and local records.

About the Privacy Act

The Privacy Act of 1974 is a companion to the FOIA Act. The Privacy Act allows most individuals to seek access to Federal agency records about themselves.

Make a FOIA Request

Consult the Make a FOIA Request page if you plan to make a FOIA request to the Federal Trade Commission. You may be able to access the information you need on the Internet without making a FOIA request. Before making a FOIA request, you should browse our FOIA Reading Room and search the ftc.gov website. Both contain many documents that are available to the public.

Make a Privacy Act Request

Consult the Make a FOIA Request page if you plan to make a Privacy Act request to the Federal Trade Commission.